Polls open in Germany for crucial national election

Polls have opened in Germany for a national election, featuring the incumbent chancellor, the opposition leader, and a far-right party leader for the first time. No party is expected to gain an absolute majority. The election was called seven months early after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition collapsed. A confidence vote led to the parliament's dissolution, prompting the need for a new election to establish a stable government. This election is significant as it occurs amid challenges like the Russia-Ukraine war and the new Trump administration. Coalition-building is anticipated, as Germany's electoral system typically requires multiple parties to govern together.